Thomas Rickman (1876-1841)

Introduction

Like James Savage and Anthony Salvin, Rickman was an important figure in the early years of the Gothic Revival, both by precept and because of his writings, especally his popular, well-illustrated An Attempt to Discriminate the Styles of Architecture in England (1817). The architectural historian James Stevens Curl describes the latter as "the first systematic treatise on Gothic architecture in England," and says that its "importance ... cannot be over-emphasized" (34). The gifted Hutchinson joined Rickman as partner in 1821, working with him until his tragically early death ten years later.

The New Buildings [at St John's] seem to me by far the best romantic Gothic work in either university. They are, of course, magnificently sited, and the "Bridge of Sighs," by Rickman's partner Hutchinson, cleverly links them with the old buildings over the river. But even apart from the loveliness of the surroundings, Rickman's work seems to me to have a charming kind of Gothic gaiety not approached by Wilkins at Corpus, King's, Trinity, or Emmanuel. (Reginald Turnor, 53)